ODI: England Go into the Unknown!

1st ODI: Sri Lanka vs England

Venues where most of the cricket action between these two nations will be played out over the next two months.

SBOBET followers have much to look forward to, starting with the one day internationals.

England may be top of the ODI world rankings but don’t believe just because the hosts are placed down in eighth that this will be anything but a tough assignment for Eoin Morgan’s men.

Talking Points

Fresh from a 4-1 series win over India, there’s no doubt England will be firm favourites against the struggling Sri Lankans.

The hosts are still reeling from the axing of captain Angelo Mathews after a dismal run of 30 losses in their last 40 ODIs, including defeats to Bangladesh and Afghanistan in last month’s Asia Cup.

England are keen to maintain momentum ahead of next year’s World Cup and have many reasons to feel upbeat ahead of a tour which comprises three tests – their first in the country since 2012 – five ODIs and one Twenty20 International.

The question which is being asked is, now captain Alistair Cook has retired, can England become world beaters?

If they are going to be, they will have to improve from their comprehensive ODI 5-2 defeat in 2014 when the World Cup was just three months away.

As far as ODI news is concerned, the selectors know this is the ideal time to assess some much-needed answers to key questions.

Who will replace Cook? Can Mooen Ali really be trusted to bat at number three? Is Keaton Jennings a Test match batsman?

Captain Morgan admits England ‘have a long way to go’ as they prepare to take on a nation which was far too strong for South Africa in July.

Sri Lanka have certainly been consistent in parts over the past 18 months or so with away test victories against both Pakistan and Bangladesh – victories which suggests the tests will be tougher assignments than the actual one-day clashes.

In the tests England are captained by Joe Root who knows, in that format, they have been fragile away from home.

Root will certainly want his test players to use the ODI encounters wisely to plan for the more difficult challenge of playing tests.

The hosts’ new skipper, Dinesh Chandimal missed the Asia Cup and the preceding ODI series against South Africa due to injury and suspension but struck 77 in a practice match against England in Colombo last week.

There is also the exciting prospect of seeing Kamindu Mendis in action.

The ambidextrous spinner bowls with both his left and right arm and is certainly one of the rarest propositions this England team or indeed any cricketing opponent is likely to face.

The 20 year-old from Galle may be just starting out but his versatility is a tool which could be a real advantage.

Mendis has previously showcased his unusual skill during two editions of the Under-19 World Cup and is certainly very different.

He is yet to play a first class match but the ODI series is surely set to be his chance.

Watch out for him.

History

England historically have a poor record on the Island.

They may have defeated India 2-1 in July to record their eighth consecutive bilateral ODI series win.

The only blemish on their ODI record over the past 18 months may be a sole defeat in a one-off match against Scotland.

But India have the edge in their overall ODI record against England by a slender 34 victories to 33.

Eyes are already on the first test which opens in Galle on November 6.

It is 17 years since Nasser Hussain’s England recovered from losing the first Test to win 2-1 in Sri Lanka. England have never won a Test in Galle, however.

Of the test squad, only James Anderson and Stuart Broad have any experience of test cricket in the country.